Close to 7,000 residents of Iloilo City tapped to work for cleanup activities, and other community works in their respective barangays, claimed their payment for rendering their duties in a jam-packed Iloilo Sports Complex in this city on Friday.

They were hired under the government’s emergency employment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) workers program implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

They were provided with a reference code to be presented to the Palawan pawnshop to claim their salary.

Each will receive PHP4,800 for 10 days of work, according to DOLE Iloilo head Amalia Judicpa.

The recipients were chosen by their barangays, validated by the Public Employment Service Office of the Iloilo City Government, and cross-checked by DOLE to ensure they have not availed of the program this year.

“Only one member of the family can benefit from the program per year,” she added.

Jonard Macahilig, 40, from Barangay Caingin, said he would use his salary for their basic needs since his daily income as a machinist is not enough, especially since they have three children.

“We will use this to purchase rice. Even if we don’t have viand, as long as we have rice, it’s okay,” he said in vernacular.

He added the program is proof of government working for its people, which is one thing they have to be thankful for.

Cristine Biejo, 35, from Barangay Ticud, said she will use her salary to buy food.

Her husband works for the city government as a street sweeper, and they have six children.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., and local officials of Iloilo City led by Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon attended the payout. (PNA)